Meeting the pope thrills Erwin Fung

WYD delegate worked long and hard in youth work

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

This young man of few words from Mary Help of Christians Parish will represent Edmonton Archdiocese when the pope is welcomed to the country.

"It is such an honour to represent the archdiocese and greet the pope at the airport," said Fung. Still shocked and amazed at being chosen, Fung told the WCR, "This is the first time I will meet the pope and I don't know if such an opportunity would come again."

Although tempted to tell his friends about this opportunity, he kept the glorious secret to himself for more than a month as the Youth Commission wanted to keep it low key as much as possible.

"My parents are very proud of me, but I think my sister Ellen is a little bit jealous," he said with laughter.

When asked what paved his road to meeting the pope, Fung pointed to the work he did for the preparation of the Days in the Diocese. Initially, he was involved in the committee on accommodation. Then he was asked, along with Anita Au, to chair the meetings for the planning of the Days in the Diocese.

"The young people of the world need events like this to rally again into our faith." - Erwin Fung

And more than a month ago, he got the opportunity to help in the Youth Commission office on a full time basis, which will help defray his expenses to Toronto.

Fung took part in WYD celebrations in Paris in 1997 and it was there that he committed himself to help out in the Toronto event that will unify youth and adults from around world.

Fung hopes the youth of the archdiocese and the world will really come together, especially those who are fragmented.

"I hate to say this, but I think the young people of the world need events like this to rally again into our faith."

This young man is vice-president of the young adults group and member of the youth council that organizes activities for the youth in the parish. And he believes youth groups facilitate finding common ground in celebrating the faith.

"Through the youth group, we share a common bond, which is our faith."

For Fung, there are other avenues faith can be nurtured and celebrated. But having such an opportunity at the parish level is so important and crucial to this Catholic youth.

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